Article November 18, 1916 Issue

Church councils and not God have formulated the creeds of...

J. Lawrence Hill

Medford (Ore.) Mail Tribune

Church councils and not God have formulated the creeds of the ages, and men still regard such statements of belief with sacred awe. With such a history, such divergence of opinion as to the interpretation of the Scriptures, and disagreement even on the essential things of life, why should there not be more tolerance, more charity one toward the other. What right has any church or minister, confronted as we all are with mental limitations, to denounce, to criticize, to ostracize a church or its people because they do not worship on the same mount that we do? God is not confined to temples made with hands. He is everywhere. The true worshipers are those who worship Him in sincerity and in truth,

In all things doubtful there should be tolerance, in essential things unity, and in all things charity. This was the Master's spirit, teaching, and life. This is why his teachings have such a grip on the hearts and minds of earnest men today. He rebuked his disciples for having forbid den one who, although he was casting out devils in Jesus' name, followed not with them, and said, "Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us." What a rebuke to those of his day, and since, who thought that all truth and goodness belonged to their little creed and faith, when he said: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." These words should be written over every pulpit and church, and the spirit underlying them should be emphasized and practised.

There is enough evil, enough selfishness and unkindness and greed and hatred and jealousy to be cast out to keep all of us busy, and to do this work is much better than quibbling about articles of faith and forms of worship. I fail to see why this church should be made the target for so much bitterness, denunciation, and ostracism on the part of any church, sect, or party. That it has met the needs of thousands and made them better men and women is evident to all unbiased minds. The tree is to be judged by its fruit. It represents the culture and wealth of every community where it has established itself. Its crowded temples, among the most beautiful in the land, and its mid-week meetings are a standing rebuke to its crities. Its teachings are recognized by thousands in all churches. It is doing what the church did for three centuries after Christ's resurrection, and which he commissioned his people and church to do in all ages.

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